NE North Dakota News

A recent visit to the University of North Dakota (UND) by distinguished space leaders and a U.S. senator highlighted the collaboration between academia and federal entities. Space Force General Michael Guetlein and Space Development Agency Director Derek Tournear, joined by Senator Kevin Cramer, toured UND's facilities to explore potential synergies and opportunities in space development.

The visit began at the Mark & Claudia Thompson National Security Corridor and the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. Senator Cramer emphasized the significance of such engagements: "My job is really easy," he said. "I just introduce my friends to my other friends, and they do things together that make a huge difference — not just for this University, not just for the United States of America, but for the security of the world."

Ryan Adams, interim dean of the College of Engineering & Mines, guided the tour, showcasing the university's labs and ongoing research. This included studies on satellite design and control and research on the impact of ice crystals on hypersonic vehicles, led by Assistant Professor Hallie Chelmo. Adams also mentioned the college's plans to expand faculty and infrastructure to support growing enrollment.

General Guetlein addressed the need for workforce development in the space sector, stating, "There’s a huge demand for engineers — STEM engineers — in space. Every one of these students can have a job wherever they want."

The delegation also toured UND's Aerospace facilities, led by Dean Robert Kraus. The group learned about projects like the manufacturing of spacesuits for long space flights, spearheaded by Professor Pablo de León, and Ronald Fevig's satellite project slated for launch in June to demonstrate autonomous rendezvous and docking capabilities.

Director Tournear praised UND's achievements since his first visit in 2020, comparing the university to a "miracle house" due to its rapid development in aerospace engineering and academic research.

An educational partnership between UND and the Space Development Agency is underway, with Tournear mentioning, "The ink has not been put on the paper yet," implying imminent formalization. This agreement will foster faculty sabbaticals, internship opportunities for students, and cross-over teaching roles for SDA personnel at UND.